Saturday, March 15, 2008

This video recipe is my foolproof method for your basic cheddar cheese sauce. The cheese sauce is one of those sauces that every cook must have in their repertoire. During a recent trip to the supermarket I saw that they sell cheese sauce in a can. The list of ingredients was as long as it was phonetically challenging. If I had a nickel for every ingredient on that label, I would have…well, about 85 cents.

But, unlike many canned goods (like potatoes!!), I can understand why people would buy a canned cheese sauce. There is nothing worse than a grainy, separated, failed attempt at the homemade version. The security of the possibly toxic, yet perfectly textured, canned sauce is very alluring. But, once you see how easy it is to make this almost-impossible-to-screw-up recipe, you will no longer need the safety of the "can o' goo."

As a special bonus, at the end of the clip, you'll be treated to what I consider the greatest cheese joke of all time. By the way, I should mention that I only know one cheese joke. Enjoy!Click here for the transcript and ingredients.

47 comments:

Mmm, that brocoli and cheese looks great. Im not usually a big fan of cheese, but I might try this.

Question: Do you have to use butter ? I see all these reciepes and it tells you to use butter, and butter is soo unhealthy.. Isent there anything else you can use that tastes just as good but healthier ?

Oh and I heard that joke last week here in the UK. Seems like jokes travel fast :P

Hey Chef John, does yours come out completely smooth? Mine is lump free, but it's got kind of and odd texture. I would say it's a little bit gritty, if that makes any sense. I used pre-grated cheese both times I made it, and I also put in a bit extra cheese because my husband wanted more cheese flavor. Any ideas? Thanks Chef!

The French even love Chef John recipes! I studied abroad in France this summer and made mac & cheese using this sauce for our international picnic. I used emmental and gouda cheese and proudly watched normally-composed French teachers sneakily getting 3rds! This woman from Greece admitted she grabbed four servings, taking the last spoonful even.

hi, i am a very busy working momi like to prepare meals ahead of time. is it possible to freeze the cheese sauce so all that is needed when i get home is to add thawed cheese sauce to my cooked pasta.J